Another death in Joplin from tornado brings toll to 155

KANSAS CITY, Mo (Reuters) - Nearly a month after a massive tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri, another person has died from injuries, bringing the death toll to 155, the city announced on Monday.

Edmon A. Cooper died of injuries in the tornado, said Lynn Onstot, public information officer for the city. Cooper died several days ago, said Rob Chappel, Jasper County coroner. There was a delay in his death being reported by the hospital and it then had to be confirmed as tornado-related, Chappel said.

Cooper’s death was not caused by a fungal infection that doctors said has claimed the lives of some other injured people, Chappel said. The tornado death toll includes a Kansas City area police officer who was struck by lightning while helping at the scene the next day.

The Joplin tornado was the deadliest in the United State in more than 60 years.